Code of Conduct

Guided by the mission of the Catholic Church and the parish, CYO program leaders work diligently to manage and steward a program that fulfills the true spirit of the CYO mission statement:

Mission of CYO Sports

CYO Sports is one component of a parish’s comprehensive youth ministry program which enables the partnership of parents, coaches, priests, religious, teachers and adult leaders to manage and support a sports program that allows youth to grow in their relationship with God and come to better understand themselves and the Catholic faith.

Such a program:

employs healthy and enjoyable competition to promote the sharing of gospel values among athletes, parents, and coaches

assists parish leadership in nourishing the emotional, spiritual, social, and physical needs of young people

encourages young people to appreciate the gifts that they possess and challenges them to share these gifts with their community

allows youth to witness the life of Christian discipleship in their coaches and adult leaders

encourages youth to become responsible members of their faith community.

General Expectations:

The St. Joseph Catholic Youth Organization’s athletic program is designed to allow young people to witness the Catholic faith of the community in action. Adult leaders, coaches, and spectators are asked to contribute to a Christian environment where children can witness gospel values being lived out in everyday life.

While athletic competition can be a fun and enjoyable opportunity for young people and adults alike, it can also challenge us, at times, to control our emotions and act responsibly. Parish leadership expects all adults (parents, coaches, and spectators) to make every effort to act and react in a way that serves our young student athletes in the best possible way, remembering always that the children are playing for their enjoyment, not ours.

It is our greatest desire that all involved in the parish CYO sports program have an enjoyable experience while connecting with other members of our faith community. However, in working to try to ensure this positive experience for all, the CYO leadership reserves the right to address all issues of conduct contrary to the mission of the program, and where resolution cannot be achieved, restricting involvement of those whose actions are found to be in conflict with the stated mission and objectives of the program.

We encourage all adults involved in the program to enthusiastically cheer for our parish teams, but never against our opponents. They, like us, are members of the same faith community; they just live across the street. Winning is a short term goal, let us always remember the words of St. Paul, “They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever”(1 Corinthians 23-25). To find more about contributing to the great legacy of the St. Joseph CYO program, contact any board member through the CYO webpage.

Parents, coaches and spectators are expected to support the mission of the CYO Sports program by actively contributing to the success of the program by:

Being an example of Christian discipleship by exhibiting good sportsmanship at all practices, games, and team meetings. Those we play against our not our enemy, they are our opponent for the contest, and our brothers and sisters in Christ always.

Role modeling self-control to players by showing respect to all game officials, regardless if you believe the call to be wrong.

Using proper language when addressing anyone involved with the program

Modeling a Catholic spiritual life by attending Sunday Mass, participating in the sacraments, and encouraging a prayerful life in our young student athletes

Making program leaders aware of any behavior that is detrimental to the CYO program, the parish, or the development of our student athletes

Players are expected to:

Be a supportive teammate, encouraging teammates to do their best, and to be their best on and off the court

Treat opponents with respect; shake hands prior to and after each contest

Work hard in practice and contribute to a positive environment in attitude and language

Respect the judgment of officials and abide by the rules of the contest

Accept seriously the responsibility of representing the parish by displaying positive Christian behavior at all times.

Play in a positive manner, reflecting Christian values.

Support and participate in service projects, team prayer and all required activities of our CYO program.

Be respectful of all parish equipment, facilities, and personnel. Treat our opponent’s facilities, personnel, and equipment with the same respect.